“We have a lot of experience with cottage style holiday to make comparisons and know compromise is sometimes needed.”
This property has potential to match Sykes description. Even for 2 people it felt cramped and cluttered, much of the furniture is old, and very uncomfortable particularly in the lounge particularly for guests who have had long days out. The auger cooker made cooking a challenge, the controls are too high and therefore dangerous as was the microwave ontop of a high kitchen cupboard. The large fridge/freezer was good. For a summer holiday the property seemed dark and dinghy but would be cosy in ...
This property has potential to match Sykes description. Even for 2 people it felt cramped and cluttered, much of the furniture is old, and very uncomfortable particularly in the lounge particularly for guests who have had long days out. The auger cooker made cooking a challenge, the controls are too high and therefore dangerous as was the microwave ontop of a high kitchen cupboard. The large fridge/freezer was good. For a summer holiday the property seemed dark and dinghy but would be cosy in the winter. The shutters were useful for shade but also privacy from pedestrians using the footpath. The windows were all locked but no instruction to locate the key. Towels, bedding and hot water were good, as was the shower (which leaked)and bathroom beds were satisfactory . The information pack was basic but could be improved with helpful advice and where to find equipment. A proper visitors book is needed. Basic kitchen items were missing to facilitate cleaning. There was no Welcome tea or milk provided. The number of house plants is excessive throughout and take up space especially on the window deep sills which could be used for guests storage. The garden is overstocked with large plants which limited enjoyment of the garden and make it difficult for dogs or children . The outside seating are is wedged between a old car under a tarpaulin and locked summerhouse.
The agent could advise and recommend improvements which favour the needs of guests. This property was listed as new and had been recently inspected by the agent so our expectation was raised. The week after ours was still available; we could have stayed on but this property was not for us. We have made several return visits to properties even those where we have had to compromise.
The reception for the internet was adequate in the lounge but not in the bedrooms. The TV and controls are high up over the fireplace which were difficult to access even for a 6’ technical husband. We had to ring the owner for instructions.
This is the only property were we have pointed out negative aspects but have appreciated honest guest comments to help our decision making in the past. We do expect value for money in addition to a relaxing cottage.
Thank you for such a detailed review, we can see the thought behind it, and we appreciate it, especially as this is our first time letting our home and we're keen to learn.
This is our family home, not a professionally managed property, filled with furniture and plants we've collected and loved over the years. We know it won't suit everyone, but it means a great deal to us.
We're glad the beds, bedding, towels and hot water met your expectations, and we've taken your comments about the leaking shower and cooker controls on board, we'll be looking into both.
A few clarifications for future guests: the window keys, visitors' book and teabags were all on the kitchen windowsill throughout your stay. We're sorry these weren't spotted, and will signpost them more clearly. On the TV, the number reaches our housekeeper rather than us directly, sorry the call wasn't straightforward, but glad she could help.
We also wanted to mention that several houseplants were moved outside during your stay and left there when you left. As they're indoor plants, we'd kindly ask future guests to let us know if anything needs moving rather than relocating them permanently, as a few didn't fare well outdoors.
As new hosts, we welcome constructive feedback, though some points felt more like minor observations than issues affecting the stay. We hope future guests see the warmth of our home as we do, and wish you well finding a property that's a closer match next time, best wishes and happy holidays!.
Property Owner